Meet Teri Gerard

Classified Employee of the Month

Meet Teri Gerard

Teri Gerard, De Anza's campus budget analyst, says her interest in the logic of numbers
surfaced early in life. "I've been hopelessly left-brained ever since," she says.

After graduating college as an accountant, Gerard was hired by the same corporate
manufacturing office in which she had done an internship. "As a cost accountant, I
do believe I was the only person in the building who enjoyed the annual physical inventory,"
she says. "I stayed with that company for 10 years and served as accounting manager
for six. I'd studied governmental accounting as an elective in college, and eventually
transitioned into a senior accountant position at Rogue Community College in Grants
Pass, Oregon."

She subsequently moved to Santa Cruz, and approximately three and a half years ago
the campus budget analyst position opened here. "The timing must have been right because
after only three weeks in Santa Cruz, I came to De Anza as a temporary employee. I
later applied for the position, was hired, and have enjoyed being here since."

Berta Pace, Business/CIS Division administrative assistant, says Gerard is always
friendly, intuitive and patient with colleagues. "She has a clear, concise understanding
of the work she is committed to and continues to conquer Banner challenges, material
fees confusion and frantic deadlines in a positive, upbeat manner."

Gerard says, "I am an analyst at heart and remain contented daily as challenged to
fulfill the needs of this position. While the implementation of Banner finance may
be difficult for some and daunting for others, I decided early on to like Banner.
This decision has not always been popular with co-workers, but again, the challenges
suit my personality. This new system promises many areas of research and study before
we'll be happy with its requirements. However, I continue to be impressed with the
results of the information it does provide. We will get there, and patience will be
required. I continue to work with district and campus personnel to improve the use
of this new system."

Gerard says she has a strong appreciation for education and spent a few years watching
for an appropriate opening at a local community college. "I currently serve De Anza
College as Classified Senator for the Administration Building as well as Building
Monitor in the event of an emergency. I also serve on the Finance and Educational
Resources Planning and Budget Team and the Campus Budget Team. I hope to be a part
of this experience for many years to come."